Monday, December 29, 2025

Scott McLaughlin’s Former Race Strategist Kyle Moyer Joins Arrow McLaren Weeks After Penske Firing

Kyle Moyer, Scott McLaughlin’s former race strategist and the general manager for Team Penske’s IndyCar project, has joined Arrow McLaren. This move comes weeks after Moyer was dismissed by Roger Penske in the aftermath of the 2025 Indy 500 controversy. Moyer is set to begin his new role with Arrow McLaren on June 30, 2025, marking a swift turnaround following his exit from Penske.

The firing by Penske followed an investigation into the Team Penske Chevrolets driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power, which were found in breach of IndyCar rules due to the use of modified attenuators. The infraction, discovered before the Top 12 qualifying session, forced the affected cars to the back of the grid. Scott McLaughlin was not part of the Top 12 qualifying as he had crashed during the practice session earlier that day.

Consequences of the 2025 Indy 500 Scandal for Team Penske Leadership

This marked the second major regulatory scandal for Team Penske in as many years, following the push-to-pass controversy in 2024. As a result, Roger Penske took decisive action by removing three senior members from the organization. Alongside Kyle Moyer, team president Tim Cindric and IndyCar managing director Ron Ruzewski were also let go.

Kyle Moyer, who also worked as McLaughlin’s race strategist, now joins Arrow McLaren as director of race operations. His arrival is expected to expand McLaren’s competitive capabilities, adding to their racing leadership alongside Scott Harner, the team’s director of competition who joined in the offseason.

Scott Mclaughlin
Image of: Scott Mclaughlin

Kyle Moyer to Enhance Arrow McLaren’s Race Strategy and Operations

At Arrow McLaren, Moyer will assist with overall race operations and take on the role of race strategist for Nolan Siegel, a position previously managed by Team Principal Tony Kanaan. This change will allow Kanaan to concentrate fully on managing all three of McLaren’s cars during race weekends, enabling a more focused strategic approach.

<pRegarding Moyer’s new role, Tony Kanaan shared insights about his character and expertise:

“Kyle is one of the best strategists in the paddock, so talking about his qualities, not just about him as a human being, he knows a lot about racing. Kyle probably is one of the top guys of knowledge of IndyCar — he’s been around it his entire life.” —Tony Kanaan

“He is very direct and he will call you out and he makes it so every person I’ve ever seen working for Kyle wanted to work for Kyle. That’s something that I experienced in my career and that is probably the biggest thing. The respect that I have for the guy is unbelievable,” added Kanaan.

Kyle Moyer’s Extensive IndyCar Pedigree

Kyle Moyer brings decades of IndyCar experience to Arrow McLaren, having spent the majority of his career in the series. Before his tenure with Team Penske, which began in 2015, Moyer worked for Andretti Global for over ten years. During that time, he contributed to the team’s success, including winning the 2004 championship with Tony Kanaan as the Brazilian driver’s team manager.

Moyer’s shift to Arrow McLaren was reportedly influenced by his close relationship with Tony Kanaan. Following his departure from Penske, multiple teams expressed interest in signing him, but Moyer’s connection to Kanaan played a significant role in his new appointment.

Scott McLaughlin Responds to Team Penske Firings

Scott McLaughlin commented on the firings of key Team Penske personnel, including Moyer, emphasizing the complexity of the situation and his intention to move forward:

“Smart people in the paddock know there was no gain, you know? It’s frustrating that this is blown up like it has, and it’s cost three people that I’m very close with their jobs. But overall, my view on it right now is just to focus forward.” —Scott McLaughlin

Tony Kanaan also weighed in on the futures of Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski, the other two fired Penske executives, suggesting that Cindric is unlikely to return to IndyCar and that Ruzewski might be constrained by a non-compete agreement.

Implications for Arrow McLaren and IndyCar Competition

Kyle Moyer’s addition to Arrow McLaren strengthens the team’s strategic depth and operational leadership, potentially boosting their performance in upcoming races. His familiarity with Scott McLaughlin and expansive knowledge of IndyCar tactics offer the team renewed expertise following the turbulent period at Team Penske.

The move underscores how teams in IndyCar can capitalize on shifts within rival organizations to enhance their competitive edge. With the 2025 season progressing, Moyer’s influence at Arrow McLaren will be closely watched by fans and competitors alike, as the team aims to climb the championship standings.